From Madrid to the ancient Italian city of Paestum, Egypt’s flagship museum is drawing recognition for a mission that reaches beyond displaying the treasures of the past.
The Grand Egyptian Museum has received two international awards for its contribution to preserving heritage and bringing cultures together.
Spain’s International Press Club honoured the museum as an architectural and cultural achievement, recognising its work to make heritage accessible to future generations. In Italy, the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange awarded it the Paestum 2026 prize for protecting antiquities and encouraging cultural cooperation across the Mediterranean.
The awards come during the museum’s first year after opening, as it is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation.
For Egypt, the project is also a vehicle for cultural influence. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the recognition supported the country’s place on the global cultural tourism map and reflected efforts to present its heritage to the world.
Egypt’s ambassador to Spain, Ihab Badawy, accepted the press club award at a ceremony in Madrid.
Museum chief executive Ahmed Ghoneim travelled to Paestum to receive the second prize during the archaeological tourism exchange’s 28th edition.
Ghoneim was also given a separate award for his work in museum management and governance.
He said the honours would encourage the museum to continue developing the visitor experience and its role as a place for learning and cultural exchange, using technology to help new generations engage with Egyptian civilisation.
The Paestum prize, awarded since 2005, recognises contributions to archaeological heritage, cultural tourism and dialogue between cultures, according to the ministry.
